Helen Simeonoff Obituary

Helen Jane Simeonoff, 69, known for her brilliant watercolors, died peacefully Jan. 8, 2011, at her Anchorage home after a long illness. Her daughter, Sharon Tylla, and longtime friend and cousin, Lydia Olsen, were at her side.

A service was held Wednesday at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

She was born Oct. 23, 1941, to William "Bill" Simeonoff Jr. and Alexandra "Alice" Knagin in Kodiak.

A graduate of Kodiak High School, she worked for several Lower 48 law firms and, during the 1980s, the Anchorage Police Department.

In 1993, she left permanent employment to launch a career as a watercolor artist. She studied art at Southwestern College in San Diego and the University of Alaska at Adak, where she was deeply influenced by artist Rush Cole. She traveled to Italy to further develop her style.

At first, her work was based on Tlingit and Haida themes, but her painting took a turn when her Native peers asked why she didn't focus on her own Alutiiq culture. Soon she began painting Orthodox churches, Kodiak masks and kayak paddles, Alutiiq dress and other subjects.

Simeonoff donated many of the paintings to friends and museums, including the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak. Her paintings were hung in the Springhill Suites in Fairbanks, the Talkeetna and Windsong lodges, the Marriott Hotel, Residence Inn and many other public places. Some of her works sell for $12,000 or more. Her first painting went for $20.

She received special awards and certificates for paintings and photography. She traveled twice to France to study the Pinart collection of Kodiak Island masks and other works of art at the Chateau Museum in Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Ms. Simeonoff enjoyed camping, exploring, gardening, glass fusion, stained glass, reading and researching family history.

"She's as colorful as her art/paintings," said daughter Sharon Tylla.

"What I liked most about Helen was her childlike spirit," Lydia Olsen said. "She lived life on her terms and she died on her terms. She was a gal of many talents and gifts. Helen loved her people and her culture."

"Helen gave us much through her art work, her compassion at heart, but mostly her love for her Native people and through the research and preservations of the Sugpiaq culture of Kodiak Island," said her friend and cousin, Maggie Napoleon.

Ms. Simeonoff was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Irene Fischer; and brother, Ronnie Simeonoff.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Rob Tylla; son, Robert "Rob" Luther; grandson, Garrett Lane Schmidt; brother, Edward Spracher and wife Michelle; niece, Alonda Spracher and husband Kris Tibbitts; nephew, Jason Spracher; nieces, Dawn Marie Talcott and Judith Simeonoff; nephew, Vincent Simeonoff; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to ANMC Cardiology or Hematology, 4315 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage 99508.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Simeonoff

12 Entries

Caroline Huggins

January 11, 2023

May Helen's soul continue to rest in Eternal peace

Sue Wysocki

January 28, 2011

I recently heard of Helen's passing from my birthmother and felt compelled to write. Helen took a chance on a stranger back in 2003 when she agreed to try and connect me with my birth family. Helen contacted a member of the family and the rest took care of itself. I would not have this incredible connection with people who have become very dear to me without her. She was a blessing in my life and I think of her often with gratitude.I send my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family and know that her spirit will live on through her loved ones.

Rebecca Rhyneer

January 20, 2011

I met Helen at ANMC in 1992 and immediately enjoyed her straight forwardness and great sense of humor. I came to know that Helen deeply relied on God and was a tremendous encouragement to me and many others. I was priveleged to see some of her paintings in progress. I would also see her at her booth at the annual AWAIC fund raising fair in downtown Anchorage. Later I attended her painting classes at the Native Cultural Heritage Center. I remember when she shared some of her personal painting secrets,then remarked that the American Watercolor Society would not approve of these techniques but she added jokingly that they didn't pay her mortgage but her paintings did. My only regret is that I didn't visit her more often at her studio and other events she had invited me to over the years. I moved out of Alaska last year and was unaware of her health problems. I was so sad to hear of her death a few days ago.
I pray that God will continue to bless her family. Alaska has lost a great woman but I am so thankful she has left us a part of herself in each of her colorful and unique paintings.

Debbie Redmond

January 19, 2011

Just heard of her passing. I worked with Helen in the Warrant Section of APD. She was a very nice lady (co-worker). I enjoyed her paintings, would see her at the Dimond Center selling her art every year. My heart goes out too her family.

Nadina Brown

January 18, 2011

I am saddened to hear about Helen's passing. We went to school together from grade school through high school.
I have admired her greatly for her many achievements and will cherish her three paintings I have in my home here in Florida. She is remembered with much fondness and will be greatly missed.

Cheryl Paige

January 18, 2011

A very, very great Lady. What a loss. I have one of her paintings from years ago. She was a dear, dear friend to me before my children were born - what a lively spirit she has!!

I was so impressed last year reading the article of her museum finds.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Caroline H

January 18, 2011

I just got word of Helen's death. She will remain close to my heart. She and I met in the late 80's. She was a wonderful mentor and encouraged myself to move forward and always have love for others. When she would talk with me or write to me she was one of the most loving women. I will deeply miss her correspondence and may her family have comfort and peace. With all the love and respect; you will be missed Helen.

Jo Bennett

January 17, 2011

Sorry to learn of Helen's passing. She was a lovely lady. I met her in the late 1980's. We crossed paths regularly for a few years, then I moved out of Anchorage for a bit. I ran into her again at ANMC a few years ago. Her paintings are beautiful.

Nelda Stone Osgood

January 17, 2011

I enjoyed the meaningful conversations I had with Helen over the years and will remember her with great respect and admiration. Her brother Ronnie was my classmate for 12 years and in remembering her I will remember him.

Frank R Peterson Sr

January 16, 2011

Helen Simeonoff Family---So sorry to hear of your loss in Helen's passing. We were school mates at Kodiak High and after High School, I would bump into her in Anchorage from time to time, mostly before the Koniag Annual Meeting activities. I remember her as always being quiet and composed in High School and with the last visit I had with her in the past couple of years. She was kind and considerate and will be missed. My sincere condolences to family. Frank R Peterson Sr.

Grace Anderson

January 16, 2011

Helen was always an inspiration to me, she was always encouraging of everything I did and always had something nice to say to me. She most certainly did live life on her own terms and I think that is what I most admired of her. I will greatly miss her.

BJ Hollenbeck

January 16, 2011

I met Helen years ago when we both worked arts and crafts shows. She traded two of her watercolors for some of my Egyptian imports. I will charish them all the more since her loss. She was a stitch to work with. Her deadpan, dry humor often had the rest of us laughing until we cried. I will miss her.

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